Formed in the wake of Riot's initial folding in
1984,the band featured Riot`s main man
Mark Reale, former (S.A. Slayer) bassist Don
Van Stavern, Steve Cooper (S.A. Slayer) on
vocals and drummer Dave McLain (S.A.
Slayer, Catalepsy, Juggernaut, Machine
Head (US), Murdercar, Sacred Reich, 
Ministers Of Anger).

This project of Mark's got radio exposure in
the middle part of the nation and from home
town (San Antonio, Texas) station 99.5 
KISS-FM that led to a successful string of
shows.

This demo and project serves as a bridge
between the more traditional metal of Riot's
early years (1977-1984) and the speed
metal of Thundersteel. What makes this
demo especially noteworthy is that two of
the songs, "The Feeling Is Gone" and "Liar,"
never appeared on a Riot album. 

This is especially important, because these
should definitely have made it onto a record.
Both are more commercial tunes, with
melodic choruses, driving verses, and
synthesizers. They are both strong songs,
but the highlight of the demo is a rendition 
of a song familiar to every Riot fan, the title
track of their 1988 album, "Thundersteel."
The version here is absolutely crushing. The
tempo is blazing, and McLain's drums push
to the floor and dominates the song. 

A fantastic song, and a thrilling performance.
Mark Reale is in fine voice throughout, as
well. He has a high-pitched tone that is 
powerful and appealing, and delivers some
great melody lines on "Liar," in particular.
Riot has always had great vocalists, and it
turns out Reale counts as one of them.

Overall, this is essential listening for Riot 
fans, as well as anyone who enjoys quality
heavy metal.